Published: Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 03:48 PM.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking public assistance in reporting observations of wild turkeys this summer.

From July 1 through Aug. 31, wild turkey sightings by volunteers and Wildlife Commission staff can be recorded and entered into an online database. The information gives an indication of annual wild turkey productivity, gobbler carryover and other population trends — all of which help the Commission manage the state’s turkey population.

Before the 1970s, wild turkeys were scarce in North Carolina, with only about 2,000 birds statewide. Today, there are more than 260,000 birds from the mountains to the coast, and wild turkeys are one of North Carolina’s most popular game animals.

“Individual surveys are reported either through an online portal or a survey postcard,” said Ryan Myers, a surveys and research analyst with the Commission. “We ask volunteers to provide accurate counts of all turkeys observed.”

After new volunteers submit observations, the Commission will automatically send a survey postcard the following year to provide an opportunity to participate again. Previous volunteer observers include members of the National Wild Turkey Federation — a valued partner of the Wildlife Commission in the reintroduction of the wild turkey in North Carolina.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking public assistance in reporting observations of wild turkeys this summer.

From July 1 through Aug. 31, wild turkey sightings by volunteers and Wildlife Commission staff can be recorded and entered into an online database. The information gives an indication of annual wild turkey productivity, gobbler carryover and other population trends — all of which help the Commission manage the state’s turkey population.

Before the 1970s, wild turkeys were scarce in North Carolina, with only about 2,000 birds statewide. Today, there are more than 260,000 birds from the mountains to the coast, and wild turkeys are one of North Carolina’s most popular game animals.

“Individual surveys are reported either through an online portal or a survey postcard,” said Ryan Myers, a surveys and research analyst with the Commission. “We ask volunteers to provide accurate counts of all turkeys observed.”

After new volunteers submit observations, the Commission will automatically send a survey postcard the following year to provide an opportunity to participate again. Previous volunteer observers include members of the National Wild Turkey Federation — a valued partner of the Wildlife Commission in the reintroduction of the wild turkey in North Carolina.

For more information or to participate in the wild turkey summer observation survey, contact Myers at 919-218-3376 or email ryan.myers@ncwildlife.org.